Chapter 408: Vs Master Dome Ace Tucker
~Third POV~
[Hoenn Region, Later, Battle Frontier – Battle Dome]
Inside the Battle Dome, the roar of the crowd still echoed from the semifinals. Azure, having just bested Sapphire, felt the lingering hum of victory in his veins. Tucker, equally triumphant over Ruby, stood poised for the final confrontation.
From the stands, Green, a tiny, glowing Mew disguised as a Pichu with Transform nestled between Pikachu and Eevee, watched the arena. Ruby, his brow furrowed, leaned forward, his voice a low grumble, "Tucker's Metagross… and that Charizard. He's a beast."
He shook his head, a wince crossing his features as he uttered, "My Rara and Feefee didn't stand a chance."
Sapphire, her hand a comforting weight on Ruby's shoulder, offered a soft smile as she said encouragingly, "You did well, Ruby. He's strong."
Her gaze drifted to the arena. A sigh escaped her lips as she mutters, reflecting her loss, "Azure's Ampharos and Dragonite… I still have a long way to go. A very long way to go before I can match him."
Green's voice, light as a chime, cut through the air as she said lightly, "You absolutely held your own, Sapphire. He used Dragonite against you, after all. Even if it was a bit much, your Kirly and Chic pushed him. That's something."
A shared smile bloomed on Ruby and Sapphire's faces, a rare moment of unity. Their eyes, however, quickly snapped back to the arena as Azure and Tucker made their entrance, the air crackling with anticipation.
Pikachu squeaked, a high-pitched cheer, "Pika-chu! (Go get him!)"
Eevee barked, a joyous sound, "Evoi! (Kick his butt!!)"
Pichu (Mew) let out a soft, almost imperceptible mewl, "Piii! (Get him, dada!)"
Azure, catching their enthusiasm, offered a confident grin, a silent promise. Green leaned towards Ruby and Sapphire, her voice a conspiratorial whisper, "So, who do you think Tucker's going to start with?"
Ruby stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face, replied, "Probably something fast. His style is usually aggressive."
Sapphire nodded with her arms crossed as she curiously chimed in, "Or a tank. Something to absorb damage while he sets up."
Azure's voice, booming across the arena, cut through their speculation as he shook his head, a playful scolding in his tone, "Don't look surprised, all of you! I like to be surprised. I trust my team, no matter what he throws at us."
Tucker, his own grin wide and theatrical, leaned into the microphone. A theatrical sweep of his arm as he declared flamboyantly, "That would be your mistake, young man. Not using the knowledge given to you. A fatal flaw."
Azure, a Poké Ball held aloft, countered with a smug curl of his lip, replied boldly, "Wouldn't need to. My team will win. Fully."
The air crackled. Azure, with a flourish, sent out his first Pokémon as he declared, "I choose you, Milotic!"
*Pop*
A shimmering cascade of scales, a creature of serene beauty, materialized on the battlefield. Milotic, with its held item [Flame Orb] already clutched in its elegant fins, instantly glowed with the red hue of a burn. Still, a powerful aura, activating its ability Marvel Scale, rippled around it, bolstering its defenses.
Tucker, a twinkle in his eye, launched his own Poke Ball in style as he declared, "Let's dance! Go! Charizard!"
*Pop*
A burst of crimson light, and Charizard, majestic and fiery, roared onto the field. It's held item [White Herb] clutched firmly in its claw.
With that, the battle between the two began.
Tucker's voice boomed, a command that sent a wave of heat across the arena, "Overheat, Charizard!"
Azure's voice, calm and steady, countered, "Aqua Ring, Milotic."
*SSSSS*
Charizard, a living inferno, unleashed a torrent of scorching flame. The attack slammed into Milotic, a concussive force that shook the ground.
*Splash*
Milotic, however, stood firm, its scales shimmering, absorbing the heat as it cast rings of water, healing itself. Charizard's special attack plummeted, but the [White Herb], a tiny white bloom, dissolved, instantly restoring its lost power.
Milotic, though singed, remained unyielding. Azure's voice resonated with absolute trust, "Recover, Milotic."
*Shiii*
The water serpent shimmered, its wounds visibly mending, the Aqua Ring's gentle current nullifying the burn's persistent sting. Tucker's smirk flickered, "Hmm. Clever."
But his eyes hardened as Tucker roared, his voice cutting through the rising tension, "Fire Spin!"
*Sssss*
Charizard's maw opened, spewing a swirling vortex of fire. Milotic, a blur of motion, weaved through the fiery spiral.
Azure commanded, "Whirlpool!"
*SPLASH*
The water around Milotic churned, rising into a tempestuous vortex, obscuring the field in a thick, billowing steam. Milotic vanished within its misty embrace.
The crowd gasped. Sapphire leaned forward, muttering, "Where are they?"
Ruby narrowed his eyes as he uttered, "Blind combat now. Tactical."
Green held the Pichu (Mew) tighter, whispering, "Come on, you got this..."
Inside the fog, Azure's voice cut through, "Recover."
*Shiii*
Milotic glowed faintly, the Aqua Ring healing the burn damage — nullifying the [Flame Orb's] Burn damage. It hovered, calm, listening.
Tucker frowned, his gaze searching the swirling vapor. Charizard's tail, a beacon of flame, glowed through the mist, a clear target.
He cursed under his breath as he growled, "Tailwind, Charizard!"
*FWP*
Charizard, with a powerful beat of its wings, generated a fierce gust. The wind tore through the steam, dispersing it, clearing the field, blasting wind through the mist — parting it like a curtain.
*Wooosh*
But as the steam cleared, water began to fall…
*Drip*
*Drip*
Milotic, however, had used the steam as cover, revealing its true goal of using Rain Dance. A deluge erupted from above, a cascading waterfall.
Rain. The battlefield transformed into a shimmering, drenched expanse, extinguishing Charizard's fiery advantage, empowering Milotic's water-based attacks.
Azure grinned as he thought proudly of executing their plans, 'Perfect. Rain Dance is complete. Milotic did it during Whirlpool with the steam masking it.'
Tucker's coat was already soaked as he groaned, "Oh, come on! My hair!"
The crowd laughed. But the battlefield had changed.
The rain poured, drenching metal, amplifying water, weakening fire. Tucker's frustration bled into his command, "Air Slash, Charizard!"
Azure's voice, sharp and decisive, cut through the downpour, "Hydro Pump!"
*SHINNG*
*SPLASH*
Milotic, invigorated by the rain, unleashed a colossal torrent of water. The Hydro Pump, a roaring wave, tore through the thinner Air Slash, overpowering it completely.
*Wooosh*
Charizard, with a frantic beat of its wings, barely swerved out of the way, a look of dismay on its draconic face. Tucker scowled, water dripping from his meticulously styled hair as he thought, 'This isn't going to work, and this rain… It's ruining everything. My clothes are getting drenched!'
Tucker bellowed, a desperate attempt to regain control, "Dragon Tail, Charizard!"
*Zooom*
Charizard charged forward as its tail had been coated with Dragon Type energy. Azure's command echoed, "Dragon Dance!"
*Swooosh*
Milotic, a serpentine dance of grace, twisted, evading the sweeping tail. Milotic shimmered, its movements gaining a newfound speed and power by +1 Stage.
Azure smirked as he commanded, "Strong Style Whirlpool!"
*SPLASH*
Charizard, its frustration mounting, met the incoming vortex with a furious Flamethrower. Fire and water collided, erupting into a dense cloud of smoke. When the smoke cleared, dispersed by the persistent rain, Charizard was revealed, ensnared within the swirling embrace of the Whirlpool.
Tucker's voice cracked with urgency, "Fly, Charizard!"
Azure's retort was swift, brutal, "Ice Beam!"
*PEW*
A concentrated blast of freezing energy erupted from Milotic, encasing Charizard in a shell of ice. Charizard was caught within the ice cage as Tucker roared, "Break through with a Dragon Rush!!"
*CRACK*
With a guttural roar, Charizard thrashed, breaking free with a desperate Dragon Rush, but the effort left it battered and heavily damaged. Tucker's eyes narrowed. He was going all in as he commanded, "Hyper Beam!"
*PEW*
Charizard, using the last ounces of its energy, began charging a Hyper Beam. But Azure countered with a steel-edged command, "Protect!"
*CLANG*
A shimmering barrier materialized around Milotic, absorbing the devastating energy blast. Tucker frowned as he muttered, "You've got skill, I'll give you that."
Azure commanded, "Strong Style Hydro Pump!"
*SPLASH*
The torrent, empowered by the rain, slammed into the already weakened Charizard. Charizard fell from the sky, hitting the ground hard.
*THUD*
The mighty dragon crumpled, defeated. Tucker sighed, the rain continuing its relentless descent, plastering his elaborate hair to his forehead.
He shook his head, a helpless gesture, yet a smirk, full of absolute confidence, played on his lips as he recalled Charizard whispering, "Good work. You've given a dazzling performance, now leave it to the main star to pick you up."
Azure frowned, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach as he thought, 'Tucker has something more. A powerful ace in reserve, perhaps?'
The roar of the crowd intensified, a wave of shock rippling through the stands as Tucker's final Pokémon materialized as he declared, "Let's take this battle into overdrive! Now, our star of the show and main event is here!!"
*Pop*
A burst of ethereal light, and there, hovering above the rain-slicked battlefield, was Latias. Its sleek, aerodynamic form, its eyes, its gentle yet powerful aura – unmistakable. Clutched in its delicate arm was its held item [Latiasite], glowing with an inner light as it was safely secured.
The crowd gasped, a collective intake of breath. Ruby, Sapphire, and Green, along with Pikachu, Eevee, and the invisible Pichu, stared, utterly stunned.
Ruby breathed, his voice barely a whisper, "No way…"
Sapphire's eyes widened, her hands flying to her mouth, "A Legendary!"
Green's smile faltered, a flicker of concern crossing her face as she whispered, "He brought out a Legendary… He wasn't joking about the main event."
Tucker, basking in the stunned silence, spread his arms wide, a triumphant grin on his face. Tucker's voice boomed, a flamboyant flourish, "Latias! The main star of the show! My victory, guaranteed!"
Latias, a playful tilt of its head, let out a soft, musical giggle, enjoying the spotlight. Then, with a shimmer, it vanished using its innate ability of invisibility.
Azure and Milotic stiffened. An invisible enemy.
But the rain, a persistent, unexpected ally, outlined Latias's form, a shimmering silhouette against the downpour. Azure commanded, aiming at the ghostly outline, "Agile Style Ice Beam!"
Tucker's voice, triumphant, "Agility!"
*Zooom*
But Latias, with an impossible burst of speed, darted away. The Ice Beam sliced through empty air.
Tucker's voice was a triumphant roar, "Thunder!"
*RMBL*
The rain, Azure's own tactical choice, now worked against him. The entire battlefield, a shallow pool, was a perfect conductor.
*CRACK*
A blinding flash, a deafening crack, and a bolt of pure electricity slammed into Milotic. The water serpent writhed, engulfed in the raw power of the attack.
Azure grit his teeth. His usual counter, an Iron Tail redirect, was impossible. The water spread the current everywhere.
Tucker pressed his advantage, "Another Thunder!"
Azure's voice, a desperate plea, "Strong Style Blizzard, Milotic! Everywhere!"
*WOOOSH*
Milotic, mustering its last reserves, unleashed a furious, swirling vortex of ice and wind. It swept across the entire arena, a desperate, final attack.
*CRACK*
The second Thunder struck, finishing Milotic. But in the same instant, a faint cry, a shimmer of distortion, and Latias flickered into visibility, caught in the edge of the Blizzard. It had been hit.
The rain ceased. Tucker's Charizard's Tailwind, long since forgotten, also dissipated. Azure recalled Milotic as he whispered, "Thank you, girl…"
*Shiii*
He looked at Latias, now fully visible, its form shimmering as it used Recover, healing the damage from the Blizzard. Azure frowned, the weight of his final Poké Ball heavy in his hand as he thought, 'This is going to be difficult to overcome this... but we've had experience in turning the tables, right girl?'
But then, a familiar grin spread across his face. He'd faced impossible odds before. He'd always trusted this Pokémon.
Then, with a deliberate motion, he reached for another. Azure's voice, ringing with renewed confidence, echoed through the dome, "But I have a star of my own. My final Pokémon! Dragonite!"
*Pop*
The Poké Ball flew, a crimson arc against the arena lights. A burst of golden light, a powerful roar that reverberated through the arena, and Dragonite, a magnificent orange dragon, its wings beating with immense power, descended onto the field. A [Dragoninite], gleaming ominously, rested at its neck.
The crowd erupted, a deafening roar of cheers and applause. Ruby shouted, jumping to his feet as he was practically vibrating with excitement, "Dragonite! Oh, man, I remember that Dragonite! The one that won the Ninth League Tournament! Took down that Zapdos from Blue Oak in the Tenth!"
Sapphire nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling like polished jewels as she fangirled, "I saw that battle! It was incredible! Dragonite just… dominated!"
Green chuckled, a knowing smile returning to her face as she added, "Whenever Azure's in a bind, Dragonite always pulls through. It always tips the scales in his favor. Now, it all rests on whether it can claim another win."
The Pichu (Mew), sensing her renewed confidence, let out a happy squeak. Pikachu and Eevee both cheered for their comrades.
Azure and Tucker, their eyes narrowed, reached for their respective Key Stones. Azure's Mega Glove, a sleek, black gauntlet, pulsed with energy. Tucker's Mega Ring, embedded with the Latiasite, hummed with power as they shouted.
"Dragonite-"
"Latias-"
"MEGA EVOLUTION!!"
*SHIII*
A dazzling light enveloped both Pokémon. Latias, its form elongating, its wings stretching, transformed into Mega Latias, its speed and power enhanced.
Mega Latias' wings flared, her eyes glowed with intelligence and pride. She let out a soft, musical trill, circling above the field like a living comet, "Laaaa!! (Time to lose!)"
Green gasped, witnessing a Legendary Pokémon Mega Evolved, "Mega Evolution… and she's incredible."
Pikachu's ears flattened. Eevee bristled. Even the Pichu (Mew) seemed to lean forward, sensing the power. Ruby's voice was hushed, "Only a few trainers have ever seen Mega Latias in battle. She's faster than almost anything out there."
Sapphire gripped the rail as her eyes landed on Azure's Dragonite, "True… but don't forget it's not the longest, fastest thing alive… look!!"
*SHIII*
The flash of Mega Evolution subsided as Dragonite, its scales hardening, its muscles bulging, its wings expanding, became Mega Dragonite, a formidable force of nature. The arena vibrated with the raw power emanating from them.
The crowd was screaming. Sapphire shouted excitedly, "That's the Dragonite! The one that carried Azure to the championship!"
Green laughed, tears in her eyes as she muttered, "He never changes. Always saving his best for last."
The battle, truly, had begun. Azure's voice, sharp and clear, cut through the electric atmosphere, "Dragon Pulse!"
*PEW*
Mega Dragonite unleashed a torrent of swirling draconic energy. But Tucker countered, "Latias! Agility!"
*Zooom*
Latias, a blur of motion, weaved through the attack, its incredible speed allowing it to evade the initial blast…
*BOOOM*
… But then, a second Dragon Pulse, delivered with a whip-like motion of Mega Dragonite's powerful tail, slammed into Latias's side, sending a shockwave through the air. Tucker's eyes widened seeing this thought, 'It can attack with its tail?!'
Before he could process further, Azure ordered, "Extreme Speed!"
*Zoooom*
Dragonite, a golden streak, shot forward, slamming into Latias and sending her spiraling upwards. A sounding BOOM could be heard from the impact as it sent Latias flying from the sheer force of the attack.
*BOOOM*
Tucker's command was sharp and urgent, "Recover!"
*Shiii*
Latias, still airborne, glowed faintly, her wounds knitting themselves back together. Then, both Pokémon became blurs, disappearing from the naked eye…
*ZOOOOM*
*BOOOM*
*ZOOOOOM*
*BOOOOOOM*
The air crackled, punctuated by the occasional shockwave as purple and orange streaks collided, too fast for human perception. The sounds of their clashes, like distant thunder, echoed through the arena.
The crowd, utterly stunned, watched in silence. Even Tucker and Azure, usually so boisterous, remained unusually calm, their eyes fixed on the invisible maelstrom above with intense focus.
Each impact sent tremors through the arena. Sapphire gasped, her voice hushed with awe, her eyes sparkling, "Master's Dragonite can be this powerful? They're faster than I've ever seen!"
Ruby, his mouth agape, could only nod, his eyes wide. Ruby adjusted his glasses rapidly. He couldn't help but mutter, "This is… insane. Dragonite's base speed isn't higher, but with Mega Evolution and Extreme Speed—Azure's amplifying every movement!"
Green held the Pichu (Mew) tighter as she added calmly, "He's not just battling. He's thinking three steps ahead."
*CRACK*
Suddenly, with a deafening crack, both Pokémon reappeared, equally battered, equally damaged, hovering in the center of the arena. Both were equally determined to win as their eyes narrowed.
Azure roared, "Agile Style Scale Shot!"
*Pew*
*Pew*
*Pew*
Dragonite unleashed a barrage of gleaming scales, sharp and deadly. Tucker countered, his voice strained, "Ice Beam!"
*PEW*
Latias fired a concentrated beam of frigid energy. Dragonite, however, anticipated the attack as Azure countered, "Agile Style Extreme Speed into Dragon Claw!"
*ZOOOOOM*
Dragonite, a golden flash, shot forward, evading the Ice Beam and slamming into Latias with a super-effective Dragon Claw. A pained cry escaped Latias, sending shivers down the spines of the crowd, "Laaaaa!!! (Ow! You meanie!!)"
*Shiiii*
Tucker instructed another Ice Beam as Latias prepared another Ice Beam. But Azure's voice boomed, "Fly! Get above the clouds!"
*Fwp*
Dragonite soared upwards, a powerful beat of its wings, disappearing into the artificial clouds that adorned the arena ceiling, manipulating the weather to create a dense fog, obscuring its position. Latias, disoriented, scanned the skies, trying to pinpoint its elusive opponent…
*ZOOOM*
Then, a blur of orange and gold. Dragonite, descending with frightening speed, slammed into Latias with a powerful Dragon Tail.
*BOOOM*
Latias crashed to the ground, a cloud of dust erupting around her. Tucker yelled, his voice laced with desperation, "Recover!"
*Shiii*
Latias, still dazed, glowed faintly, slowly regaining her strength. Its eyes are entirely focused on Mega Dragonite.
Azure commanded, "Roost!"
*Shiii*
Dragonite, landing gracefully, settled on the ground, its wings folding, its body glowing with healing energy. Both Pokémon, though battered, looked revitalized. Dragonite, however, lost its Flying typing, and its agility slightly diminished.
Both dragons, their eyes hardened, let out guttural roars, a primal challenge echoing through the arena, "Draooo!! Laaaa!!!"
Azure ordered, "Agility!"
*Zooom*
Dragonite shot forward, a burst of speed. But Latias, recovering her wits, easily dodged, her superior speed evident.
*Wooosh*
*Zoooom*
The battle transformed into a breathtaking aerial chase. Dragonite, despite its immense speed, found itself outmaneuvered. Latias, a shimmering phantom, weaved around Dragonite, her special offense and defense proving superior.
*Swooosh*
Dragonite tried a nosedive, hoping to throw Latias off, but Latias, with effortless grace, mirrored its movements. Dragonite then soared high, only to plummet with an Aerial Ace. Latias met it head-on, a powerful Mist Ball slamming into Dragonite.
*Splash*
But Dragonite was prepared. A shimmering veil of water encased its body as it activated Aqua Jet, piercing through the Mist Ball like an arrow, its intent clear: a direct strike.
*PIERCE*
Piercing through the Mist Ball, Tucker frowned, a flicker of unease crossing his face. Tucker's eyes narrowed as he commanded, "He's combining moves… using water to counter psychic… Latias! Use Ice Beam!!"
*SHIIII*
Latias began charging another Ice Beam, expecting Dragonite to veer off. But Azure, a wide, confident grin spreading across his face, merely watched as Dragonite continued its relentless descent.
Tucker's frown deepened as he thought, concerned, 'What is he planning?'
*PEW*
Latias unleashed the Ice Beam, a blinding white torrent. Dragonite, encased in its Aqua Jet, plunged headfirst into the attack. A gasp rippled through the crowd. But then, an impossible sight: Dragonite, its form now encased in a shimmering layer of ice, continued its descent, an Ice Aqua Jet.
*CRACK*
It slammed into Latias with a deafening crack. Tucker's composure shattered, his eyes wide with disbelief muttered, "Ice… Aqua Jet?!"
Azure bellowed, his voice filled with triumph, "Strong Style Mega Punch!"
*BOOOOM*
Dragonite, bursting free from its icy shell, its fist glowing with raw power, slammed a devastating Mega Punch into Latias's face. Latias, stunned and disoriented, crashed to the ground, a pained cry escaping her.
*THUD*
Crashing down, Azure commanded, "Don't let her go! Strong Style Extreme Speed!"
*Zooom*
Dragonite, relentless, followed up with an Extreme Speed, a golden blur. Latias, struggling to recover, tried to dodge, but Dragonite, utilizing its descending gravity, slammed into her again, a brutal blow.
*BOOOM*
Dragonite then turned, its body glowing with draconic energy. Azure commanded, "Strong Style Dragon Rush!"
Latias, however, managed to gather her strength. Tucker roared, "Giga Impact!"
*BOOOM*
A surge of raw power, a purple aura, enveloped Latias. She met Dragonite's Dragon Rush head-on, overpowering it, sending Dragonite sprawling onto its stomach.
*Swooosh*
Latias then soared high, mimicking Dragonite's earlier tactic, charging a Mist Ball as she plummeted. Azure's voice, sharp and urgent, "Agility! Dodge it!"
*Zooom*
Dragonite, despite the severe damage, moved with surprising speed, narrowly evading the plummeting Latias. Then, in a move that stunned the crowd, Dragonite leapt onto Latias's back as she flew past.
Latias shrieked, flailing, "Laa?! (The heck- Get off!!)"
Dragonite refused with a smug grin, clawing her back harder to ensure she wouldn't fall. Azure commanded, "Close-range Dragon Pulse!"
*SSSSS*
Dragonite unleashed a powerful burst of draconic energy directly into Latias's back. Latias shrieked, writhing in pain, "LAAAA!!! (AHH!! GET OFF!! GET OFF!!! GET OFF!!!!)"
Tucker yelled, his voice hoarse, "Shake it off, Latias!"
*Wooosh*
*Swooosh*
Latias flew erratically, trying to dislodge Dragonite, but Dragonite held on, its claws digging into Latias's scales. Another close-range Dragon Pulse, another pained cry from Latias, "Laaa!! (Ouch!! Get off of me already…!!)"
Tucker desperately commanded, "Light Screen!"
*Shinn*
A shimmering barrier of light enveloped Latias. Azure, seeing this countered, "If special is out, we go physical! Dragon Claw!"
*SHINNG*
*SLASH*
Dragonite's claws glowed, tearing through the Light Screen, inflicting even more damage. Latias, with a final, desperate surge of power, soared high into the sky, finally managing to shake Dragonite off as the Light Screen flickered and died.
*Wooosh*
Dragonite, in a vulnerable freefall, struggled to regain balance, its mighty wings flapping frantically. Tucker yelled, his voice filled with renewed hope, "Finish off that Dragonite, Latias! Mist Ball!"
*SHIII*
Latias, from high above, unleashed a massive Mist Ball, a swirling vortex of psychic energy, aimed directly at the falling Dragonite. Azure's voice, a roar that echoed through the arena, "Counter with Hurricane!"
*FWP*
*WOOOOSH*
Dragonite, still falling, began to spin, creating a powerful vortex of wind that slowly, painstakingly, began to cut through the Mist Ball. Azure screamed, his voice raw with exertion, "STRONG STYLE HYPER BEAM!"
*PEW*
Dragonite, its body glowing with immense power, unleashed a devastating Hyper Beam, a concentrated blast of pure energy. The Hurricane, combined with the Hyper Beam, tore through the Mist Ball, obliterating it…
*KRA-BOOOOM*
The Hyper Beam slammed into Latias with a terrifying force, a blinding explosion that rocked the arena. All the monitors flickered, then went dark.
Smoke billowed, thick and acrid, engulfing the battlefield. A stunned silence descended upon the crowd, their eyes straining to pierce the haze. Seconds stretched into an eternity. Slowly, agonizingly, the smoke began to clear.
A figure emerged from the swirling grey. Dragonite, battered, bruised, but still standing, a triumphant, almost smug grin on its draconic face.
Mega Dragonite stood, wings tattered, body scorched—but standing. Mega Latias lay motionless, eyes closed—it fainted.
Dragonite grinned before reverting to normal. Then, with a shudder, its eyes rolled back, and it collapsed.
*Thud*
The crowd gasped, then erupted into a cacophony of shouts and cheers. Tucker, a wide, genuine smile replacing his earlier theatrical grin, walked across the field. He extended a hand as he declared, "A truly magnificent battle! My congratulations! Technically, your Dragonite was still conscious before it finally fainted. So, a victory for you!"
The crowd went wild, their cheers deafening. Tucker added, a respectful nod returning Latias, "You're a top tactician, Azure. Never seen anything like it."
Azure returned Dragonite to its Poké Ball as he whispered, "Thank you again, girl. You were phenomenal."
He shook Tucker's hand, a triumphant grin on his face. He paused, a playful frown creasing his brow as he asked, "Thanks, Tucker. That was a blast… Hey, you forgot to give me the Tactics Symbol."
Tucker merely gestured to his own pockets with a knowing smirk. Azure reached into Tucker's pocket, a surprised laugh escaping him as his fingers brushed against a small, metallic golden object.
He pulled out the Tactics Symbol, its polished surface gleaming in the arena lights. He held it aloft, a wide, unbridled grin on his face, another trophy claimed.
From the stands, Scott, the enigmatic owner of the Battle Frontier, watched, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, 'New challengers, new excitement… Azure still has two more Frontier Brains to face: Spencer and Anabel. This is certainly going to be entertaining…'
/////
A/N: Hope you guys liked the chapter!